First, I already have several sleeping bags in varying weights, but the unique double zipper design that creates arm holes, and the oversize foot box stood out as unique features that caught my attention. I must say, the Ronin delivers on all counts. If you have ever felt constricted by the tightness of a mummy bag, but like the comfort and warmth you get over a traditional square bag, this bag is the answer. In the slightly oversize foot box my feet had room to wiggle and move, but were close enough not to lose body heat to dead space. At 5'10" and 180 pounds i'm not a huge guy, but I filled the bag and had plenty of room. This bag will work for guys much bigger then I am, but I never felt swallowed up or lost in it.
Slumberjack makes a Ronin +20, 0, and -20 degree model, all with the same features. I opted for the -20, because i'm planning for some deep winter camping this coming season, and even though it won't nearly test the bags limits, I'm a cold sleeper, so the extra warmth will be welcome. I've had both my 0 bags out in high teen nights and I slept and survived, but wasn't completely "comfortable". I'm looking for a higher level of performance bag combined with my folding cot to get me to that next level.
I haven't had it out in the real REAL cold yet, but I can say I was impressed with the loft of the insulation, the quality of the zippers and the overall construction. That brings me to the bigger improvement I've found, the duel zippers. By opening on both sides, this bag will work perfectly with my Bivy cover that zips opposite of my other bags. Combined with my Mil-Spec Bivy, I'm sure i'll be warm and dry in any conditions. The duel zippers also create the arm holes and let me work in the bivy, or in my solo backpacking tent without coming out of the bag. The zippers also have a vent option zipper that comes up from the bottom on both sides. Its a very simple idea, but it adds so much flexibility to the bag, its a wonder more companies don't make a similar model.
Just for comparison, here is my new Slumberjack Ronin -20 next to my Ledge River 0 bag, and my Coleman 0 degree bag. I had both zippers on the Ronin open in the pics. Its not quite that wide at the shoulders, but the foot box is a good deal bigger then either of the other bags. Being i'm a side sleeper, and the mummy bag design forced me to be flat on my back it prevented me getting a good night's sleep. In the Ronin I have just enough room to move and turn in the Ronin, but still get the benefit of a mummy. From a design aspect it does have the internal collar just above the shoulders that keeps the cold air from seeping down around your neck, its not as secure as the collar in either of the other bags, but it works. My first weekend out, I experienced a warm front move in while i was camping. I simply left both zippers open all the way to completely vent the bag and let the panel just "float" like a blanket over me. I was in a -20 degree bag in out in low 30s the first night, that became almost 60 degree temps the second (yeah, Michigan weather), and I did not feel smothered at all by the bags weight. Thats true testament to the flexibility the bag design has.
I also did my best to show how well the double arm openings work, but my photo didn't do it justice. All I can say is, it works perfectly in the field and this in the leap forward in bag design. being able to sit up and start my Mr heater to knock the chill off from inside my bag and get that first cup of coffee will change winter camping for the better. Also being able to sit and relax and make my notes on the days events, read, or even blog from a campsite comfortably. My initial impression is this bag is its well worth the price and the dual zipper is a great new twist.UPDATE:
OK, a quick update. Rather then making a new post about the bag i figured i would just add some notes. In case you didn't know from other blog entries, i'm a BSA Assistant Scout Master. Well, we have done several winter camp outs, including a Polar bear weekend that really tested my bag, and i must say the Ronin has become my favorite bag by far. I also have used the bag with just my Mill-spec bivy and no tent sleeping under the stars on a few campouts. It worked great as i expected with the dual zippers, the bivy has a left zipper and is a bit of a pain with my other bags.
The Ronin performed so well i have added a Slumberjack Sojourn 20 to my "soon to buy" list. The Sojourn shares all the design features that i like, but its dri-down filled, so it will pack down small enough for my summer hiking/backpacking needs. My Ronin is huge by the way, WAY to big to even dream of fitting in my Kelty 80 by itself. Now i know you're thinking "a 20 degree bag for the summer? are you nuts?" Well yeah maybe, but i live in Michigan, so any spring summer or fall night can go down to 40 degrees. Heck, we had a mid May campout and woke up with snow on our tents, so i'm leaning on the flexibility of Sluberjack's design to allow me to adjust to any summer temps.
